2017 GoBeyond Testimonials

With summer 2017 behind us, we’ve received some pretty incredible feedback from GoBeyond students and their families regarding their summer service programs. See what everyone has to say in our Volunteer Program Abroad Testimonials. This summer was one of the best yet and we want to thank our staff, alumni, and parents for sharing their experiences with us and making 2017 as amazing as it was!

GoBeyond in Australia

Piyada R. - Bangkok, Thailand

“The program is very well organized and offers interesting activities. My son really had a wonderful time with the group and very much enjoyed the trip. Fun and interesting activities and experiences, learning new cultures, giving back by doing the community service work, meeting new friends from all over the world.”

Theresa W. - Wales, WI

“The service component & the need to function as a team member really gave my daughter some improved life skills, though I don’t think she was expecting that! Overall, she came home with great memories, more confidence, and a more well-rounded person and citizen of the world. The program seems very dialed in….the processes are very smooth, and I felt confident that my daughter would have a good, safe experience.”

Lindsay A. - Brookfield, CT

“I had such a fun time because of the activities planned, all my pre-trip questions were answered, and I always felt happy and safe.”

GoBeyond in The British Virgin Islands

Geneva R. - Gig Harbor, WA

“Not only did I connect with people and make new friends, but I also got the chance to give back to the community and feel like I was making a difference in other people’s lives and the community around them. I am and I always will be eternally grateful to this program, as well as all of the staff members for impacted my life so much. I just hope I can take it with me throughout the rest of my life and spread all of the energy, love, and knowledge that I received in this program.”

Karen R. - Kodiak, AK

“Alyssa had an amazing time. The process was easy and the communication was fantastic. Alyssa seemed to work hard and at the same time have a lot of fun. She has been non-stop talking about her friends she made and the crew she adored.”

Jaden M. - Delray Beach, FL

“Year after year I keep coming back to GoBeyond because it betters me as a person and makes such a big impact in my life. Not only do I learn new things every year, but the program also humbles me to a certain extent while still allowing me to have fun. It changes me as a person at home only for the better, making me care more about the environment and my community.”

GoBeyond in China

Jess Marguiles - Lafayette Hill, PA

“GoBeyond provided such an amazing and life-changing experience for me. I always felt very safe and there was always a sense of adventure. GoBeyond let us be more independent which overall created such a great experience. At first, we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into and what kind of difference we would be making, but by the end, we knew our work was going to make a lasting impact in the children and community as a whole. My staff members were both very adventurous and always made sure to give us researched information on places we were touring. If something went wrong they never panicked and always came up with a solution.”

Elizabeth P. - Daniel Island, SC

“This trip was life-changing. One of the best experiences of my life. Working with the kids was amazing and definitely something I will never forget, it was one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. My staff were both incredible, they were always calm under stress and always easy to talk to! They made the trip so much better. The excursions were all once in a lifetime opportunities, we saw an incredible amount of sites and each was amazing.”

Bonnie A. - Downington, PA

“Beyond the basics – well-planned, good communication about expectations, steps in the process, etc. – my girls came back feeling that this was incredibly valuable and an amazing experience. They thought their counselors were outstanding and said they couldn’t ask for a better group. They have formed friendships with members of the group that are arguably more solid than some they have made with people they have known for years.”

GoBeyond in Costa Rica

Joseph B. - Atlanta, GA

“It was life-changing and really fun. The service projects made me feel that we were really helping out the community. The excursions were fun, my favorite was the beach excursions. The group discussions were meaningful and really interesting!”

Elizabeth S. - Deerfield, IL

“It was a seamless experience from start to finish. Our daughter was pushed to go beyond her comfort zone in Costa Rica and wound up having an amazing experience. She also made some life-long friends an added bonus..”

Anne G. - Carmel, IN

“We love GoBeyond!! My second child took a trip to Costa Rica with the program over the summer and the experience was just as wonderful as when my older daughter traveled with the program to the BVI’s several years ago! Your staff is amazing and every time I have called I have been spoken to with patience and understanding. The trips are well planned and organized and thorough information is given prior to departure in order to prepare. Both of my children learned much about the countries they visited and themselves during their adventures. The experiences you provide leave a lasting mark on the students who travel with you – expanding their worldview and developing them to be bridges of cultural understanding and tolerance in an ever-shrinking world.”

GoBeyond in Ecuador & the Galapagos

Allison B. - South Orange, NJ

“My son had an excellent experience and I thought the program did a great job. Have a longer option! My son would do a 5-week community service option next summer if possible!”

Gabriela J. - Bethesda, MD

“I loved each and every moment of this program- it gave me hands-on experiences that overall made me a happier and more aware person. The tours and community service were always very organized and we were always doing one amazing thing after another.”

Anna W. - Tenafly, NJ

“I think I’m going to take home my appreciation for my life and what I have. I always know that I had a good life but I think seeing other ways people live really does show you what you have.”

GoBeyond in India

Darcy L. - Seattle, WA

“My youngest daughter, Nicole just returned from her second trip with Go Beyond. Both experiences were transformative and from a parent’s point of view incredibly well designed and well executed. This summer she spent three weeks in India and was exposed to so many varied and rich cultures. She came back talking about when she could return. The trip was an eyeopener for her, and one she will forever carry with her. The outreach and community programs offered through GoBeyond are truly transformative and our family is forever grateful for the care and attention the Go Beyond staff, administration, counselors and community leaders gave to her. Thank you as well for keeping her so safe and healthy!”

Maxwell H. - New York, NY

“I really enjoyed the program, and I learned a lot. It was a really amazing experience and I’m so happy I went. GoBeyond students engage in service experiences that really aim to help the communities they work with. The leaders of GoBeyond trips are also a strength. They are smart, nice, caring, responsible, and always have the students’ best interests at heart. GoBeyond is a GREAT organization. THANK YOU!”

Dierdre M. - Charleston, SC

“This is the 6th trip I’ve sent a child on. I’m extremely impressed with every aspect of the organization.”

GoBeyond in Peru

Gillian M. - Charleston, SC

“I learned so much about different cultures and how to appreciate and respect them. I learned more about myself too. I had an amazing time. I felt like I connected with some of the locals on a personal level and was able to make a positive impact on their lives, even if it were to a small degree I really did learn a lot about myself and other members of the group. This was definitely an important part of the trip for me.”

Mary M. - Allendale, NJ

“My daughter had a great experience and loved the counselors. She made good friends and the best part was NO CELL PHONES! This encourages the kids to communicate.”

Lara A. - Cairo, Egypt

“I thought that there was equal amount of work and play. We worked extremely hard doing service on some days and on others we had lots of fun exploring the country. I also think that the service we did, was accomplishing something that actually mattered.”